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1st LD Writethru: Syrian opposition says having asked UN to place current peace talks "on a brief hold"

Xinhua, April 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) on Monday evening issued a statement, saying that they have asked UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to place the talks "on a brief hold".

The statement said this is to end the Syrian government's truce violations and the HNC will meanwhile remain in Geneva,

The Syrian opposition said that since these talks began in Geneva, the Syrian government" has worsened the situation on the ground."

"The progress in Geneva is directly connected to the realities faced by our people in Syria," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said in the statement.

"The international community must act to re-impose the cessation if the talks are to make progress," he stressed, adding that they will remain in Geneva ready to engage in "serious talks".

De Mistura on Monday told the press that the main Syrian opposition delegation, the HNC, is intending to suspend their formal presence to the ongoing peace talks in the UN headquarters of the Palace des Nations, but will remain staying in Geneva for technical discussions.

"I heard intention of HNC to postpone their formal participation in Palais in negotiations due to ground realities," he said during a press briefing here Monday evening.

However, the UN special envoy said that he will continue discussions and consultations with both sides, since "proximity talks are very flexible".

He added that he will review the situation again later on Friday. Endit